The hunt for a Champion!

[19:28] {NARRATION} The hunt for Maugrim was certainly a lengthy one. But eventually, the two would find themselves standing before a cave. Inside, the malevolent aura of a Saekanis champion could be felt, one that foretold of power over the Raksha. Sure enough, that malevolence is directed towards the two, the eyes of Maugrim visible in the darkness of the cavern's empty darkness.

"Come to finish off Maugrim, hmm?"

The presence of the Saekanis Smith was familiar, but the voice was definitely not. The figure steps into the light, halberd in hand, as he stares at the two from where he was located. It was clearly a Saekanis Champion, one that had yet to give his name.

"Explain yourselves, so you can die for a cause."

Despite his words, the champion didn't seem like he'd leap at them. At least, not yet.

[19:32] To embark now upon his travels. He was to make the hard choice of ending ones life, to ensure another would blossom. Words listened to by the Champion beside him.

"To end smith. . . Will mean, likelihood of objects towards beast kami being created will end. . ."

If there was anything that ceased him from fulfilling this goal.

It would be this reason, explaining it to the fox as the two continud upon their journey. On the trail of a mythical figure to most, boasted by only the bravest to have survived Maugrims slaughter.

Nevertheless, as they continued on.

They'd finally reached their destination and what came before them was rather, unexpected? Addressing the man, Seshus stepped forward to speak.

"Am. . . Seshu. Warrior of Ixchel, chaser of the winter to come. Here now, to become Champion of Saekanis. . . To fulfill will of beast-kami's on land. To provide Agartha. . . Balance."
(Seshu)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:34] His sienna gaze flows towards that of the man whom steps forward, experiencing giving way to a familiar sensation he'd once faced in his youth. The same viciousness of the Raksha thrived from his person, impatience only trumpted by that of the curiosity that causes for the nature beneath his feet to writhe, green tendrils constricting about the Adjudicator's ankles, each 'pet' seemingly eager to taste blood as they had once before.

Though, the time could present itself soon enough, as there'd not been a better moment to respond to the champion's inquiry.


"I'm well beyond dining upon champions to establish myself as the superior option. This will not be my game, though one can send my winter-wolf a message. You, or another, that I'm seeking a better audience."

A tongue prods at one of his sharp fangs, the slightest trail of crimson staining his teeth. Tension had long since been within the air, yet he too, did refrain from making the first leap.
(Ludovic Grauhimmel)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:40] {NARRATION} The pale champion of Saekanis shakes his head, dismissing their presence without a second thought. Though Ludovic's words do earn a condescending side glance from the champion. Overall, he did not seem impressed, nor likely to allow them passage they'd require. A second pair of eyes soon peeks at the three, with the pale warrior waving his hand to let the true Maugrim know that he should leave.

"Pitiful. Pitiful... You slay one Raksha and Kalishmi and you think you're above me?" He scoffs, the halberd given a twirl, a fanciful flourish of wielding the polearm as if it were a second extension of his hands. The pommel slams into the dirt, eyes narrowed forward.

"Chaser of Winer, yet also seeking to become a Champion... Tsk!" The sharp canines are sucked, his second hand now held onto the haft.

"The only thing you'll become champion is the champion of failures."

With enough words spoken, their intent clear, it was time for the Champion to be made use of, in Maugrim's escape.

"When you meet your ancestors, tell them you were sent to them by Yoru Yaoryuzu."
[19:43] {NARRATION} 5 rounds. At the end of the fight, they'll roll for injuries rather than during. If they get downed twice, they roll. If they get downed once, they still roll, but the rolls won't be as bad.


1st time KO'd | 2nd time KO'd
1 = perm nerf. (-20 vit) | minor vit nerf
2 = perm nerf. (-5 vit) | max temp nerf
3 = max duration temp nerf| mid temp nerf
4 = mid duration temp nerf| min temp nerf
5 = min duration temp nerf| no injuries
6 = no injuries | no injuries
[19:46] "I'll put that to the test. I'm far from done, and if you're another stepping stone, then so be it."

Condescending, certainly didn't fit the kitsune's own being, as he'd long since harbored an intangible will to pursue all that lied before him. If a blessing was to be chased with abandon, then he'd have long since already dedicated himself. The hunger for progress is aimed towards Yoru, another obstacle.

Another morsel to be made use of as he had the rest. The Raksha stills fear, and what he harbors instead is the sharpness of his own ambition.

"There's always one common trait among her champions. Beasts. None of you realize how soon winter comes..."

Hungrily, does the life which clings to him spring out to aggress his opponent.
(Ludovic Grauhimmel)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:46] Rather, taken back by the choice of words offered back in kind. The wolfs response was anything, but humble. "Failed many times. . . Am sure. . . Will continue to do so." Reminiscing over his failed achievements thus far.

What was a champion without many acolytes of fame buried beneath his rug?

"But must continue. . . Must press on."

For if not, who will?

Gehenna turning sour from its core, to know now the panthers return would come by hand of spire-shard? The wolfs only thoughts would be to gain the power required of him to overthrow what may become another downpour of injustice, upon Agartha.

"Winter is coming and I cannot be anything less than one of its champions." And they came in many varying ways and forms. "Devoted to cleansing this land clean. Start over. . . Is what Saekanis would desire to see." All brought to an end.

So that Asena could rekindle the flames of humanity to burn on.

And so, to do as he desired. Both hands were raised to grip at the greatsword hunched over his back. Branding the weapon off in mans direction.

The bout would begin and the wolfs blessing from Ixchel would pour out. Cross-breed, taller now than the typical ookami. Panthers blood ran thicc through him now.

(Seshu)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:09] As always, Saekanis' blessed always did remain agile on their feet, Ludovic himself always forced to completely indulge in the height of the hunt to keep his eyes on the goal ahead. Though, such was typically easy when one found themselves utilizing every tool at their disposal, the lifestream forced to abide by the fox's will. Single steps were but many in the grand scheme, Ludovic but a flickering image midst the fields which they had battled upon as the void swallowed him whole time and time again, each exit one that'd only been adorned by the thunderous crackle of his magic, and the roar of flame.

Yet, that'd been the least of Yoru's worries when the body no longer could keep up with that of Seshu and his own efforts, the vines within his control thinning considerably to spiral into flesh to dig into the joints and seize control of his movements.

The scent of blood was sure to heighten the senses, to make what had already been a ravenous cycle even more so. Flesh along with bone is soon enough contorted within the Grauhimmel's preferred display, the body left intact, though all the same had it been a mangled cadaver with its limbs twisted

"Ahh... Good, good. That is your prize, Seshu. Now partake."
(Ludovic Grauhimmel)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:16] When confronting the likes of those who followed beneath the fangs of Saekanis. A battle was to occur, regardless of intentions. So much so, even when placing himself in a higher light in their eyes. In attempt to gain their eerie.

He was simply taken back for more troubles than worth. For most.

Yet this wolf and his companion saw this only as opportunity to rise to the occasion. Mainly the wolf who'd yet to achieve the same status those around him held.

Battling against the fearsome foe, a capacity to wield their weapon in ways to deflect and detune the two from defeating him in one swole swoop. Instead the three danced beneath the moonlight, encased within an arena of dread and blood.

Devotees of Saekanis were welcomed, so as long as they spilled blood.

Blood, Blood. . . Blood.

Scattered across, his remains were fading out from sight. Nearly losing grip of his blade when feeling a fearsome blow be delivered. Knocked against a nearby tree, his body slumped to the ground. Gripping in pain as he panted and heaved for air.

Thinking only that his lungs should open, the thoughts screamed loudly in his head.

Until the moment arose, a thorny trap laid in wait for the opposition and constrained by the combined efforts. It seemed as though they found victory.

"Y-Yoru. . ."

The wolf called out, forcing himself to a stand with aid of his blade. Subtle steps were made in silence as he stared down the fearsome foe.

"Asena. . . Saekanis. Together, the world goes on, the seasons change. Too long now, you have lived in summers eve. Winter comes for us all and it is. . ."

Raising his hand to remove the turban concealing his lips. Sharp fangs were revealed as he spoke with a bloodcurdling howl.

"Feast or Famine!"

And like that, he lunged over, sinking his fangs into the mans neck and tearing out a large enough chunk to bleed him out in seconds, if he weren't killed upon the tear.

Chomp. . . Chomp. . . Chomp.

The mans flesh was engorged into the wolfs belly. . . His first taste of blood outside his own, of devouring a being that wasn't Undead or immortal. . .
(Seshu)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:59] {NARRATION} There wasn't much else for Yoru to do, given the circumstances. But Seshu was able to devour and feast upon the Saekanite champion. The flesh savored, the mana a delicacy that was sure to last for quite some time. However, an item soon makes its presence.

A foul presence, an aura that exudes nothing but dread and woe to all that behold it's spherical surface. The orb was roughly the size of a basketball, its ever presence gaze of profane origins. The eye appeared to be a fusion of many great beasts of Saekanis.

With the devouring of Yoru, this orb of power was now free for the taking.

[21:08] Unlike the many prowlers before him, the wolfs devotion went beyond simple. . . Devouring. Taking what he did to serve as a means to proof his value stepping forward.

Although he'd not eaten the man whole, pieces remained, organs. . . The heart, liver, eyes and teeth. All were for the taking from this man. And as he dug around from within the man.

Pulling and yanking past the slippery blood. Sharpened claws now acting as clippers to snip away and cleanly slip away the pieces for offering, later.

"Hrm. . ."

The process had undergone in silence. Fighting off the sensations that spilled into his being for the first time. Unlike his panthers blessing, one that he pulled forth when near the immortals. No temptations to man were delivered.

But for winter. . . None could be safe. Not even man.

Urges, never before felt had slowly begun spewing fourth into his mind. His very senses awakened to something familiar of a vampires. A beating heart, pulsating veins. All were strengthened until the high faded.

And yet while still drawn by the drugs effect. The sudden appearance of an object falling nearby attracted him to take the item in grasp.

"We're not finished. . . Here."

He mumbled, taking the item in hand before wiping away the blood as best he could. Looking away from the fox before slipping the turban over his face once more and waving his arm over for the fox to follow.
(Seshu)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:12] A quiet observer, that was the only role necessary given the circumstance. Gifts did well to ascertain an understanding, and the progress offered is one he himself would not have benefited off as much, given his history with these beasts and men in particular. Though, the orb does warrant a second glance, one where his slit gaze would thin briefly in question.

Yet, even the slightest trace of interest is choked back upon what follows, Ludovic having lifted his chin just a tad in question of what they were to do next.

"And, what is to follow?"

The fox cants his head, the steps forward leading him ahead with question towards what he presumed to be the next endeavor.
(Ludovic Grauhimmel)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:45] Seshu says, "Am not sure. . . "

[21:48] {Item} You picked up Gorechimera Eye. Dropped by Yoru. .

[21:51] {NARRATION} With the death of Yoru and the acquisition of the orb, the two Saekanites feel a sudden surge of dopamine flooding their being. The eyes of Saekanis were upon the fight, watching with anticipation as to who would come out on top. Although Saekanis was down a champion, Ludovic and Seshu had appeased their patron God with a glorious battle. His approval was certainly in their favor, for the now.
[21:52] {Item} You drop Newbie Boots.
[21:52] {Item} You picked up Arcanium..
[21:58] The Kalishmi, is perhaps the part of him that yearns for the gaze of his patron wolf, such a chill warranting a smile from the kitsune whom grasps his boon. As much as one could offer in the time he'd spent pursuing, there was always a desire to show more.

"Soon, soon... We will talk."

The vines which once embedded themselves into the victim of tonight's hunt rescind, imbued with a source of mana once again from the Grauhimmel whom imposes his control. Green tendrils lash about, knitting into the lifestream itself to tear open yet another hole into its being.

"As for you, Seshu. Good luck in your future hunts. Though, know I'll be busy. I've my own people to work with. Dreams, aspirations, and hungers to present to the winter-wolf."

With the act that follows, Ludovic expels himself from the realm which he'd journeyed to, his exit taken just as quick as any other he's made in the past.
(Ludovic Grauhimmel)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:59] In preparation to press on into the caves, a sudden rush of anticipation had struck him. Overcome by a feeling that knawel at his feral instincts. Triggering his senses to run wild, but not before his gaze lifted to the sky in haste.

Beneath the moon-light, his blood burned in approval of the sensations that came from his pantheons approval. Although, he'd not fought the champion he sought, escaped; likely.

To feel approval from the beast-kami nevertheless, foretold his progress had not been in vein thus far.

"Smith. . . Likely gone."

But having gotten what he desired, was slaying the blacksmith really necessary? A thought he'd contemplate over another-time. Finding a secondary reward be magically gifted from the heavens.

Slipped away with the eye.

Turning to face the fox briefly nodding in their direction. "With this feeling, can press on. . ."
(Seshu)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------